Four more points logged as the playoff chase continues

For the third consecutive weekend the Coulee Region Chill had a weekend series against the Springfield Jr. Blues.

The first went as planned, sweeping the Jr. Blues at home. The second was a setback with the Jr. Blues returning the favor on their home ice. This past Friday and Saturday night it was both teams leaving the Green Island Ice Arena victorious.

Sitting in fifth place in the Midwest Division, the Chill have been in Springfield’s rear view mirror over the past few weeks, trying to gain ground on the fourth and final spot in the 2018 Robertson Cup Playoffs.

That fourth-place spot has since changed, however. As Springfield skated off the ice Saturday night they simultaneously swapped spots in the standings with the Minnesota Magicians.

While looking at the two points lost to Springfield to end the weekend it may be even more important to look at the two points gained on the Magicians last Thursday night.

Nick Bowman, a recent invitee to the NAHL Top Prospects Tournament, scored two goals – including the game winner – and assisted on another in the 4-3 defeat over Minnesota.

Bowman went on to score a hat trick on Friday night over the Jr. Blues as well en route to being named the Midwest Divisional Star of the Week. Joining Bowman in receiving recognition for his strong play on the ice for the Chill was Brandon Koch; Koch, joining Bowman at the Top Prospects Tournament next week, had four assists on the weekend.

This weekend’s matchup begins on Friday night in Janesville against the Jets before the two teams take the ice in La Crosse on Saturday night.